Old versions are often bundled with fake drivers or keyloggers.
If you’ve ever tried flashing a 2016-era Android phone with the 2024 version of SP Flash Tool, you have likely encountered a BROM Error (such as Error 4032 or 5002).
Search for the version’s MD5/SHA1 on XDA or GitHub.
Example (v5.1628.00): download sp flash tool old version
MD5: 7a3f2b9c8d4e1f6a5b7c9d2e3f4a5b6c
If no match, open the archive in a sandbox (Windows Sandbox, VM).
If you need a version slightly newer (e.g., v5.20xx) but still getting auth errors: Old versions are often bundled with fake drivers
But usually, dropping back to v5.1628.00 avoids all that.
Old versions use unsigned drivers.
If you are unsure which version you need, refer to the "Sweet Spot" below.